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WitneyVipers v Hungerford

Chairman’s Welcome

Rugby is back at Hailey Road, and in style.

This afternoon, our Vipers host Hungerford in what is a must-win fixture for the Twos, while the Barmy Army take on local rivals

Chipping Norton II. Two cracking games to get the blood pumping and the senses firing.

A warm welcome to everyone at Hailey Road today. I hope you enjoy not only the rugby on display, but also the excellent facilities we are proud to offer here at Witney Rugby Football Club.

Elsewhere, our First XV face a tough challenge on the road against league leaders Trowbridge. The Wiltshire side remain unbeaten at home this season, but there’s always a first time.

As we head into the closing stages of the season, thoughts are already turning to the next. It promises to be an exciting period for the club, albeit with some significant changes ahead. We will see movement within our coaching team and committee, and with that comes opportunity.

If you feel you can contribute, whether on the pitch or behind the scenes, I would strongly encourage you to speak to a member of the committee. Being involved in this great club is hugely rewarding, and we are always keen to welcome new faces.

Enjoy the rugby, make plenty of noise, and we’ll see you in the bar afterwards, I’ll drink to that!

Andy Merriman Chairman Witney Rugby Football Club.

Dob in Dabber !

Dabber Willis has taken up hiding in the programme. All you have to do is find him and win a pint. Dob in Dabber at the Bar on match day, and if you’re the first to do so, you win a pint of ale or a glass of wine. Cheers Dabber!

GREATDAY Awesome Xmascameearly Somespacesavailable Lovewasintheair

1st Things First!

A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!

Player Sponsors

We have secured tickets for all 3 England Home games and both Saturday and Sunday Finals Days. Want to be there?

Sponsors, Players and Members contact:

Nations Championship Cup

england home games and finals day tickets

As a Club we have secured tickets for each of the England home games in November, and in addition, tickets for the Saturday and Sunday Finals’ Days. The England Home games are as follows:

Sunday 8 November Australia

14 November

Saturday 21 November

We have tickets for the Saturday and Sunday Finals as follows:

Sponsors, Players and Club Members wishing to attend should in the first instance contact me at:

Fiji have decided to play their summer home fixtures here in the Northern Hemisphere with the England game being played at the Everton FC ground on 11 July. Tickets for that and for the games in Wales and Scotland can be obtained at:

Player Sponsors

2 Be or not 2 Be

Chipping Norton 38 : 7 Witney Vipers

Not a good day on the road last time out, the Vipers coming unstuck at local high riding Chipping Norton, but that was then, this is now, and this is Hailey Road.

Today our Terrific Two’s welcome Hungerford to Hailey Road for a game we need to win if we are to step into the middle of the table by the close of the season. Come on you Vipers.

Vipers v Hungerford 3pm

Player Sponsors

Who Shall We 3s Beat Again?

On Thursday evening, six members of the Wizards, the walking rugby team at Witney Rugby Football Club, braved the elements to raise awareness of the challenges faced by homeless former service personnel.

Many veterans find themselves without a home for a variety of reasons, often linked to the lasting emotional impact of their service and the difficulties this can bring for them and their families.

We set up camp before our usual training session, shared a couple of beers and a supper club, and then spent the night outside. While conditions were kinder than they have been recently, it was still a small reminder of what many veterans face every night, in all weathers. Unlike them, we knew we could return to warmth and comfort the following day.

It was a worthwhile experience, even if far removed from the reality of homelessness. We hope that by raising awareness, we can also raise funds to support those who are facing far tougher circumstances.

If you would like to donate, please follow the link below. Any contribution, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated. it’s a statement: we don’t leave our veterans behind.

To donate Click Her Team Wizards:

Ian Loughborough David Cluley

Gareth Lewis Russell Simpson

Mike West Steve Aldridge

Ireland: Nearly There (Again)

Ireland were typically brilliant, organised, relentless and just a little bit terrifying to play against. They collected another Triple Crown and pushed France all the way. If rugby were decided on rucks won and clever kicking alone, Ireland would probably win the thing every year.

Scotland: Entertainment Guaranteed

Scotland did what Scotland always do: produce moments of brilliance mixed with moments that leave their supporters staring quietly into their pint. Their huge win over France at Murrayfield was spectacular and had commentators declaring them title contenders… for at least 48 hours.

England:

The Emotional Rollercoaster

England’s campaign was a bit like assembling flat-pack furniture, without the instructions: promising at first, confusing halfway through, and just when you think it’s finished you realise there’s a crucial piece missing.

M & Js

Investing in the Future

Oxford Quins Under 13’s Tournament – 15th March

Witney Rugby Football Club U13s were crowned Plate Trophy winners after an impressive performance throughout the tournament.

Two strong victories, along with a narrow loss to Marlow in the group stages, secured their place in the semi-finals. There, they faced local rivals Bicester in a closely contested match.

An early, decisive score — finished brilliantly in the corner from a well-worked Māori play — set the tone, and the team held firm to see out the win.

In the final against Cheltenham Tigers, Witney produced a superb all-round performance. Dominant at the breakdown, sharp in attack, and resolute in defence, the black and blue boys were worthy winners as they lifted the Plate Trophy.

Player Sponsors

A bit of Wizardry

What’s On @ Hailey Road!

Mouthguards Direct is currently running a competition ‘Win 100 Mouthguards for Your Club! This seasons chance to win 100 mouthguards by sending us your favourite team photos. Competition rules: Only one entry per team up to 3 photos.

Closing date 26 March 2026. The winner will be notified by email shortly after the closing date.

Email to: info@mouthguardsdirect.co.uk

Veterans @ Hailey Road

Contrary to poular belief, you do not have to have:

Served in the Trenches of WWI

Be over 60 with a pacemaker!

Although being either of those does not preclude you from playing, we do ask for a letter from your parent.

A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!

How would you like 10% off everything you buy over the bar? With a WRFC Members Discount Card that’s exactly what you get. 10% off all your beers, teas, coffees, sandwiches etc. For a small anual fee, currently £25, you get a year’s worth of discounted products. That’s approximately 50p a week, so one pint of lager a week and you have made your money back, 2 pints and your saving at a level appreciated by Yorkshiremen.

To qualify for the card you need to be a signed up member of the Club.

Interested? email me or speak to any of the marvellous bar staff. ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk